UFC 313 Scorecard Shocker: Did Magomed Ankalaev Steal the Belt from Alex Pereira or Did the Referee Steal the Victory from ‘Poatan’?

UFC 313 Scorecard Shocker: Did Magomed Ankalaev Steal the Belt from Alex Pereira or Did the Referee Steal the Victory from ‘Poatan’?

The world of mixed martial arts was left in shock after UFC 313 as Magomed Ankalaev emerged victorious against Alex Pereira via unanimous decision. Fans and analysts alike are now debating whether the fight was fairly judged or if Pereira was unfairly stripped of his light heavyweight belt. With a controversial scorecard surfacing post-fight, let’s dive deep into whether Magomed Ankalaev’s win was a true reflection of the battle inside the Octagon or a questionable call that cost Alex Pereira his championship status.

A Controversial Victory in Las Vegas

Held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, UFC 313 was one of the most anticipated events of the year, headlined by a clash between light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and contender Magomed Ankalaev. The fight ended in a unanimous decision victory for Ankalaev, with the official scorecards reading 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of the Russian fighter.

However, as the scorecard circulated online, MMA enthusiasts began questioning whether Alex Pereira had truly lost the fight. Many fans believed that Pereira had done enough to secure at least three rounds, which should have earned him a victory by decision. The close nature of the fight only intensified the controversy, leading to heated discussions across social media platforms.

Breaking Down the UFC 313 Scorecard

The judges’ scorecards for the fight tell a fascinating story. Here’s a closer look at how each judge scored the rounds:

• Mike Bell: 48-47 in favor of Ankalaev
• Derek Cleary: 48-47 in favor of Ankalaev
• Sal D’Amato: 49-46 in favor of Ankalaev

While Bell and Cleary gave Pereira at least two rounds, D’Amato’s 49-46 card was met with widespread criticism, with many believing that Pereira had performed better than the score indicated. Some fans speculated that the refereeing and judging biases may have played a role in the decision.

Did the Referee Influence the Outcome?

Aside from the scorecards, another major talking point was the role of referee Marc Goddard in the fight. Several moments raised eyebrows:

1. Early Stand-Ups and Breaks: Some fans believed that Pereira was not given enough time to work in clinches and ground positions, with Goddard intervening quickly to separate them.
2. Possible Illegal Strikes: During the fight, Ankalaev landed some borderline strikes, and Pereira’s corner protested against the lack of action taken by the referee.
3. Lack of Warnings: While Pereira was reprimanded for minor infractions, Ankalaev was seemingly given more leniency, which led many to believe the officiating was uneven.

These instances have fueled conspiracy theories among MMA fans that Pereira was put at a disadvantage due to questionable refereeing decisions.

Did Magomed Ankalaev Truly Deserve the Belt?

Despite the controversy, Magomed Ankalaev’s performance cannot be ignored. The Russian fighter executed a strategic game plan, utilizing his wrestling, clinch control, and striking to neutralize Pereira’s legendary knockout power.

Key moments that helped Ankalaev secure the victory:

• Effective grappling control in rounds 3 and 4
• Defensive awareness against Pereira’s powerful strikes
• Smart pressure and clinch work to wear down the champion

While some believe Pereira should have won, others argue that Ankalaev did just enough to edge out a close fight.

Fan Reactions: Outrage and Support

As expected, social media exploded with reactions after the fight. While some fans called the decision a “robbery,” others acknowledged Ankalaev’s tactical approach.

• Pereira’s supporters: Claim the fight was stolen from him due to biased judging.
• Ankalaev’s supporters: Believe he outworked Pereira and deserved the belt.
• Neutral analysts: Say the fight was close, but Ankalaev’s ground control may have given him the edge.

Prominent fighters like Israel Adesanya and Daniel Cormier have weighed in, with Adesanya calling the decision “suspect” while Cormier stated that Ankalaev’s wrestling made the difference.

What’s Next for Alex Pereira?

Despite the controversial loss, Alex Pereira remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. What’s next for the former champion?

1. Immediate Rematch: Given the close nature of the fight, the UFC may book a rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev.
2. Move to Heavyweight: Pereira has previously hinted at moving to heavyweight, and this loss might push him in that direction.
3. Fight a Top Contender: If a rematch is not immediate, Pereira could face someone like Jiri Prochazka or Jan Blachowicz.

Final Verdict: Was UFC 313 a Robbery?

While the decision was controversial, calling it a robbery may be an exaggeration. Magomed Ankalaev fought a smart fight, utilizing his grappling and control to neutralize Pereira’s explosive striking. However, the judging and refereeing have left enough doubt for many fans to believe that Pereira was unfairly treated.

As the dust settles, one thing is certain—the rivalry between Pereira and Ankalaev is far from over. A rematch could be on the horizon, and when it happens, fans will be watching closely to see if justice is truly served in the Octagon.